DUSHANBE, March 3, 2010, Asia-Plus -- On Tuesday March 2, Tajikistan’s Council for Media released a statement over a lawsuit filed by three judges against three independent newspapers – Asia-Plus , Farazh and Ozodagon .

The statement, in particular, says that the lawsuit evokes serious concern of the country’s media organizations.

We consider that the newspapers Asia-Plus , Farazh and Ozodagon acted within the framework of Tajikistan’s legislation and they did not violate norms of journalistic ethics, the statement said.

Guided by principles of pluralism, unbiased coverage of events and protection of human rights, the newspapers reprinted public accusations brought against three judges by lawyer S. Jouryaev and under Article 35 of the country’s law on the press and other media, media publishing such materials are not responsible for truthfulness or untruthfulness of these materials, the statement said.

The Council also notes that judges’ request that the newspapers Asia-Plus , Farazh and Ozodagon be closed pending the outcome of the case is unfounded.  Under Tajikistan’s legislation, plaintiffs do not have the right make such requests, only prosecutor’s offices and bodies that registered publications have such a right.

The statement also notes that civil suits must not be aimed at restricting freedom of speech.

We will recall that judges Nour Nourov and Ulughbek Mahmadshoev of Tajikistan’s Supreme Court and Judge Fakhriddin Dodometov of Dushanbe City Court filed lawsuit against lawyer Solehjon Jourayev and the independent weeklies Asia-Plus, Farazh and Ozodagon on January 29, 2010 over their coverage of a conference about corruption and bias within the Tajik judicial system.

The judges are asking for a total of 5.5 million somoni (equivalent to more than 1.25 million) in damages after an open statement by lawyer Jourayev published in the weeklies’ editions allegedly insulted their honor and dignity.  Moreover, the judges also asked the court to order the newspapers’ publication to cease until their demands are fulfilled.

The lawsuit stems from an article about a Dushanbe press conference held by lawyer Jourayev on a recent conviction of 31 people in a corruption case.    

Many international organizations released statements, expressing concern about this situation.  A group of Tajik media organizations also expressed concern over the increasing number of expensive lawsuits being brought against independent press outlets, warning that this could lead to more and more curbs on media freedom.